Porsche Bike RS

Porsche’s re-entry into the bicycle sector is, admittedly, a more refined attempt than their FS Evolution model. It’s relatively conservative, given the emphasis the German marque places on good design, ergonomics and engineering. Having said that, it’s also visually closer to its four-wheeled cousins than its predecessor.

It’s essential, in these environmentally-conscious times, for an auto manufacturer to have a bicycle in its range. Auto manufacturers are, however, notorious for utilizing their car-focused in-house design and marketing team to develop their bicycle program. It seems the size of the concern has an inverse relationship to their spirit of adventure when it comes to providing a product that placates a greener market. The Toyota Prius / Parlee project pushed technological boundaries, like the Prius does, but a neurologically controlled shifting system with iPhone integration is unattainably grandiose for any sort of market. Maserati’s collaboration with Montante was more accessible, and a plausible extension of the brand, as is MINI’s Folding Bike.

The RS Bike is a carbon fiber frame and fork, brought to life by a Shimano XTR groupset, Magura brakes and a Crank Brothers 29″ wheelset. The complete bike weighs in at a reasonable 9kg, and is available for order from all official Porsche Centers at AU$11,133. According to the press release, the Porsche RS is the ultimate expression in lightweight technology, design purity, ergonomics and performance. It’s not far off the mark, although I’d like to see a ‘heritage’ model to complement the emphasis on technology.